"Lost," "Heroes" panels announced for 2008 Screenwriting Expo

Three panel discussions will focus on writing for the hit TV shows Lost and Heroes at the 2008 Screenwriting Expo Nov. 12-16, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Panels hosted by Lost writer/producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindeloff and Heroes writer/producers Tim Kring and Jeph Loeb will offer an inside look at the day-to-day business of writing for a long-running TV series. A third panel, hosted by writer/producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz of Lost, will focus on one fan-favorite episode. Registrants will have the chance to vote for their favorite episode on the Screenwriting Expo website prior to the event.

The Screenwriting Expo, held by Creative Screenwriting Magazine, is the largest international meeting of screenwriters (both professional and aspiring), producers, agents, directors, and industry professionals in the world. The cost to register for all four days is $144.95. For additional information and registration details, please go to HYPERLINK "http://screenwritingexpo.com" http://screenwritingexpo.com.

The Expo will also continue its Guest of Honor series, in which today’s most successful screenwriters are interviewed on stage. Members of the registrant audience will also have the opportunity to ask questions. This year’s Guests of Honor include:

Oscar-winner William Goldman, a screenwriter, novelist and playwright whose writing credits include Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Princess Bride, and Marathon Man along with adaptations of All the President’s Men and Misery.

Nancy Meyers (the highest-grossing female writer-director), an Oscar nominee for her first script, Private Benjamin, who continued her rise with Father of the Bride, What Women Want, Something’s Gotta Give and The Holiday.

Marshall Herskovitz, arguably one of the most successful writer-producers of the last 20 years, whose hits include Traffic, Blood Diamond, I Am Sam and Legends of the Fall, along with TV shows thirtysomething, Once and Again and Quarterlife.

Writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, best known for their current work on Disney’s The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Prince Caspian from The Chronicles of Narnia franchise.

Oscar nominee Richard Price, known as a master of dialogue, who has penned films The Color of Money, and Sea of Love, along with several episodes of the critically acclaimed TV series The Wire and his latest novel "Lush Life."

In addition, more than 150 courses will be offered on virtually every screenwriting subject imaginable. Taught by leading screenwriting professionals and sought-after industry teachers, seminars at the Expo will focus on all aspects of the craft and business of screenwriting.

One of the most anticipated events of the Expo is the Golden Pitch Festival, in which writers can pitch their own screenplays to over 130 A-list producers, studio execs, agents and in one-on-one sessions.

In addition, a unique writing competition, the CS Open, offers screenwriters a chance to flex their spontaneous writing muscles by creating a two- or three-page scene on site in 90 minutes or fewer. Through a process of elimination, participants can pen their way to cash prizes. First, second and third place winners will be announced at the closing ceremony.

The Exhibit Hall will feature more than 30 exhibitors offering discounted products and services for screenwriters including books, software, script analysis and supplies. Attendees can relax, write, sip coffee and network in a lounge in the Exhibit Hall. Networking Receptions will also be held nightly following the Expo events, offering screenwriters further opportunities to meet fellow industry professionals and up-and-comers.

“The Screenwriting Expo is the most thorough and intensive screenwriting education available in a brief immersion anywhere,” said Bill Donovan, publisher of Creative Screenwriting Magazine and executive manager of the Expo. “It’s also networking – you could meet a producer or your next writing partner at a networking party or at lunch – and it’s an ideal opportunity to pitch your work.”

Working and aspiring screenwriters merge with producers, directors and agents for the international Screenwriting Expo on November 12-16. Is your script finished yet?